Treasures From Chicago
Because you can't go on a trip and come home without a few special reminders! 
As it would happen, my sister-in-law is probably my perfect shopping buddy. While our personal styles may be different, we have very similar tastes in the type of place we like to explore. On the last day of our visit, Erin and I spent a little while exploring her neighborhood...which was a joy! This little ring came from Renegade Handmade. I love it beyond reason!
We next went to Green Heart, a fair trade store. I picked up this Guatemalan necklace for myself and two crazy, hot-pink beaded rings for the girls. I also fell in love with the dresses from Mata Traders. I may have to get one of those some day!
Of course, Erin and I both love crafting, and she just so happens to live close to the most wonderful bead store I've ever seen - Beadniks. As I generally do, I picked up some seed beads for my collection. The Lucite flowers are for a bracelet I have long admired and now must learn how to make, and the daggers are for a pair of earrings which the store had on display. I also fell head over heels for a leather and turquoise bracelet/anklet/necklace, the mood beads and several of the ethnic collections. It's probably a good thing I don't live any closer....
Did you really think I would escape without yarn? Our last stop was at Nina, a charming - and very urban - yarn store. I had hoped to find something there to take home, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. For the first time ever, I discovered Habu Textiles....which has long been a desire of mine. Even better, they had kits for the famed Kusha Kusha scarf. I just may have to cast on tonight!
As it would happen, my sister-in-law is probably my perfect shopping buddy. While our personal styles may be different, we have very similar tastes in the type of place we like to explore. On the last day of our visit, Erin and I spent a little while exploring her neighborhood...which was a joy! This little ring came from Renegade Handmade. I love it beyond reason!
We next went to Green Heart, a fair trade store. I picked up this Guatemalan necklace for myself and two crazy, hot-pink beaded rings for the girls. I also fell in love with the dresses from Mata Traders. I may have to get one of those some day!
Of course, Erin and I both love crafting, and she just so happens to live close to the most wonderful bead store I've ever seen - Beadniks. As I generally do, I picked up some seed beads for my collection. The Lucite flowers are for a bracelet I have long admired and now must learn how to make, and the daggers are for a pair of earrings which the store had on display. I also fell head over heels for a leather and turquoise bracelet/anklet/necklace, the mood beads and several of the ethnic collections. It's probably a good thing I don't live any closer....
Did you really think I would escape without yarn? Our last stop was at Nina, a charming - and very urban - yarn store. I had hoped to find something there to take home, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. For the first time ever, I discovered Habu Textiles....which has long been a desire of mine. Even better, they had kits for the famed Kusha Kusha scarf. I just may have to cast on tonight! 
Comments
Kusha Kusha is a wonderful scarf, but you need to pay careful attention and make sure you are knitting with both strands.